COUNCILLOR MITCHELL BLUE | Deputy Mayor – Hills Shire Council
That’s what the NSW Government is proposing to allow in our family-friendly suburbs as part of their Explanation of Intended Effect: Changes to create low and mid-rise housing.
The proposed changes will apply to areas within 800 metres of Metro Stations and town centres such as Baulkham Hills Town Centre and Wrights Road in Kellyville. These changes could also affect our smaller village and neighbourhood centres such as Knightsbridge in Castle Hill, Glenhaven, and Crestwood in Baulkham Hills.
It will allow for more development, including two-to-six-storey apartments, terraces, and manor housing, to be built closer to or within some of our residential areas. This means these housing options could be constructed next to existing properties, including your family home.
These amendments override years of practical planning work that The Hills Shire Council has done in consultation with our community. We’ve ensured that different housing options are available in the right locations, supported by the right community infrastructure and public transport. For instance, we’ve kept apartments in areas within walking distance of our Metro Stations and shops.
Council’s goal is to create well-connected neighbourhoods for our residents to enjoy. However, this is all at risk with The NSW Government proposing a one-size-fits-all approach to housing.
More concerning, the NSW Government has not proposed any concrete infrastructure solutions to keep up with the unplanned growth. This lack of support makes it difficult for Council to provide necessary services such as parks, roads, and other amenities for the growing population.
These changes will also lead to more traffic on our roads, increased demand for our open spaces, reduced on-street parking and added pressure on our already struggling schools and hospitals.
It could also destroy our unique local character which is one of the key reasons why many families choose The Hills Shire to set up their homes and raise their families.
Join the fight to stop the NSW Government from destroying our family-friendly suburbs.
For more information, visit Council’s website or https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/draftplans/exhibition/explanation-intended-effect-changes-create-low-and-mid-rise-housing
